Thursday 4/21 Torch Today – Remembering Chyna, today’s Jim Ross Livecast Interview on-demand & Ross writes on Chyna’s career, Conor McGregor latest, John Cena’s goal to grow WWE outside of WWE, XFL anniversary, JTG interview, Kevin Gill Show, NOAH Results, Video – Samoa Joe talks WWE transition

By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Jim Ross speaks on CM Punk and AEW status
Jim Ross - CBS Sports boxing (c) CBS Sports

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

TORCH TODAY – Thursday, April 21, 2016

Chyna. Joanie Laurer. People have a variety of different thoughts when first hearing her name based on working with her, watching her Attitude Era run, or thinking about her post-wrestling battles and turmoil. At her peak, she was one of the top stars of the Attitude Era. She started as a complementary piece to Shawn Michaels and Triple H, then became as big of a TV star as anyone else in the Attitude Era along with fellow female star Sable (Rena Mero). It’s unfortunate she struggled to find an identity and purpose while staying healthy after her wrestling career. Steve Austin and Eric Bischoff captured her story quite well in Twitter posts on Thursday.

At PWTorchLivecast.com: Jim Ross joined PWTorch editor Wade Keller on Thursday afternoon for a discussion of Chyna, plus other hot topics from WWE and Ross’s outside-of-WWE projects.

Ross also wrote about Chyna at FoxSports.com from the perspective of being in charge of Talent Relations when Chyna was at the peak of her career. “As the person who was charged with the responsibility of putting the Attitude Era talent roster together, I can assure you that no female added more to the presentation than Joanie, thanks to the manner in which she was presented plus an incredible ‘look’ that separated her from everyone on the roster,” Ross wrote.

At PWPodcasts.com: Recap of the latest Kevin Gill Show podcast with special guest Teddy Hart.

At MMATorch.com: More coverage of the bizarre mid-week story of Conor McGregor announcing his “retirement” – the story of a big-time fighter (McGregor) battling the promoter (Dana White) for control of a big-time fight card (UFC 200).

John Cena was part of a media conference call on Wednesday trying to prop up “American Grit” after the series got off to a poor start last Thursday in terms of viewership. Included was Cena continuing to pitch his idea that he can grow WWE’s brand presence through outside projects, such as the Fox TV series and regular appearances on NBC’s “Today” show.

“My mission statement has always been the same: How can I extend the WWE brand as large as I possibly can?” Cena said (as transcribed by the Asbury Park Press). “After close to 15 years of consistently competing nearly every single day, I don’t want to say I’ve exhausted that resource, but it’s also time to take opportunities elsewhere when they can possibly broaden the outreach of the brand.”

JTG talked to the Pancakes and Powerslams podcast about his new book filled with more behind-the-scenes stories from his WWE run.

– Today marks the 15-year anniversary of the XFL’s one (and only) Championship Game won by the L.A. franchise. FoxSports.com went inside the build-up to the final game and Vince McMahon’s role overseeing the league.

NOAH Global Tag League Night 1 Results via PuroresuSpirit.net.

– Video: Samoa Joe talked to the Busted Open satellite radio show about his first full run in WWE, the NXT roster, former TNA colleagues heading to WWE, and other topics.

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